Prevent and combat mobbing

Sexual harassment victims should be encouraged to report cases and perpetrators must face sanctions, says a draft resolution to be voted on Tuesday.

To help prevent and combat mobbing and sexual harassment in the workplace, in public spaces and political life in the EU, the EU Commission should table a draft law that includes up-to-date comprehensive EU-wide definitions of “harassment” and “mobbing”, says the draft resolution prepared by Pina Picierno (S&D, IT) for a debate on Monday and a vote on Tuesday.

Local authorities, employers and trade unions need to better understand the barriers that victims face in reporting sexual harassment and to create safe reporting mechanisms, says the text.

To combat sexual harassment in politics, the text advocates a zero-tolerance policy and sanctions. Gender Equality Committee MEPs recommend mandatory training for all staff and members of national, regional and local parliaments, as well as of the European Parliament.

Background

One in three women have experienced physical or sexual violence during their adult lives and up to 55% have been sexually harassed, according to an EU-wide survey by the Agency for Fundamental Rights in 2014.